symbiosis

symbiosis defined in 1951 year

symbiosis - symbiosis;symbiosis - (1) Association of dissimilar organisms whatever the relationship between the two partners. (2) Association of dissimilar organisms to their mutual advantage, e.g. association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria with leguminous plants (peas, beans, etc.). The bacteria, inhabiting nodules on roots, manufacture nitrogen compounds from nitrogen of the air, which become available to the plant. From the latter bacteria obtain carbohydrates and other food materials. Compare with: Commensal.